Reading, Math Tutors Still in Demand in Northwest Suburbs

With school back in session amid a pandemic, the demand for one-on-one tutoring in the northwest metro is soaring.

AmeriCorps partners with schools across the state to provide reading and math tutoring services. Staff say the disruption to school schedules and the shift to distance learning can create greater education gaps. They said local schools are recognizing a higher need this year for tutors than previous years.

Photo courtesy: AmeriCorps

In Maple Grove alone, AmeriCorps needs to hire about 25 more tutors. Brooklyn Park needs 17 tutors and Brooklyn Center needs 11.

“Some of those kiddos, they’re not being engaged in the same way that they’re used to. So having this extra resource to be able to spend one-on-one time for these targeted resources for these kids is really key. A lot of schools expressed that without the flexibility, it would be a real challenge to meet these students’ needs.”

Tutors are able to work full time and part time at AmeriCorps. Full-time tutors will also receive a stipend biweekly and at the end of the program can earn additional money to help pay for student loans or tuition.

This year, AmeriCorps tutors can opt to serve a single semester or make a commitment for a full academic year.

Due to COVID-19, tutors will either serve virtually or they’ll maintain six feet apart from the students in a school building.

Pafoua Yang, reporting